Watched a few innings from yesterday and today. Japan look cold at the dish, China's defense left much to be desired.

Watched Choo some this morning. He's DHing, swing looked ok, he got a base hit. Korea can rake. The announcers also mentioned that if Korea can get to the finals, the government may forgive the mandatory military service. No link to go with it, just mid inning banter. If it's true, go Korea.

Erie Warrior wrote:The announcers also mentioned that if Korea can get to the finals, the government may forgive the mandatory military service. No link to go with it, just mid inning banter. If it's true, go Korea.

Hence why the Indians are probably okay with him staying out there even if he is a little banged up.

Full slate tomorrow, the US plays at 2pm.

Can't wait for the USA/Canada game....though I will miss it cause I have to work all weekend because I am out of town next week. Anyone know if the games will be available online somewhere?

I am wishing Grady could've played. I didn't follow the last WBC, because of workload then. I have enjoyed watching these games this weekend. The Kingdom winning yesterday, brought back memories of The Miracle on Ice. I'm sitting here watching pitch by pitch with interest, and loving it.

With the double elimination format, the Italy game was much more important for Venny to win. Which is why they went all out to win that one. They knew coming in they could (and probably would) lose to USA, so beating Canada and Italy was the way to advance.

Now, if Canada has any pitching left, that is going to be a very fun elimination game

Italy I didn't realize they have actual Italians on their roster! I thought it was all Frank Catalanotto's and Sal Fasano's. There is actually an Italian Baseball league! Wonder why Dellucci isn't on the team? Was he waiting for the Team USA invite?

Pup wrote:Now, if Canada has any pitching left, that is going to be a very fun elimination game

Yes, this should be a very heated contest. Weglarz and his mates are pumped to play VZ and advance.

I know the fans may be lukewarm about the whole WBC thing, but the players take it very seriously and the fire is certainly there to win. Just wish there was a way they could do this in like November or something so all players can play a full game and pitchers don't have such limited pitch counts. Plus it doesn't affect the season much.

I got to watch part of the Korea/Japan game today. Korea won a tight game 1-0.

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In the top of the 6th, Korea had guys on 2nd and 3rd with one out. Their #4 hitter hits a topper to SS. They attempt to score on it and get thrown out at the plate, then the guy at second gets thrown out trying to advance to third.

One of the worst examples of baserunning I have seen in quite some time.

I know the fans may be lukewarm about the whole WBC thing, but the players take it very seriously

They were razzing Adam Dunn for getting so worked up about the close Canada game. Dunn said, "This is the closest I have ever been to the playoffs." I suddenly felt really bad for the guy. Especially considering he will probably end his career in Washington.

Pup wrote:Now, if Canada has any pitching left, that is going to be a very fun elimination game

Yes, this should be a very heated contest. Weglarz and his mates are pumped to play VZ and advance.

I know the fans may be lukewarm about the whole WBC thing, but the players take it very seriously and the fire is certainly there to win. Just wish there was a way they could do this in like November or something so all players can play a full game and pitchers don't have such limited pitch counts. Plus it doesn't affect the season much.

There is really two options, IMO.

If you are going to have it this early in March, then the hitters should be aware they are on the roster and the team should go on a little tour before the start of it, playing some of the better D1 college programs in the country. Have the college kids pitch for both teams. Just to get our hitters used to live pitching. Can't do much about the pitching though if it is this week.

I think the simplest thing would be to have it the last week and a half of Spring Training though. Pitchers would be more game ready. They would be ready to go full tilt. They could stretch their pitch counts out a little more.

After the season would never work. You can't ask these guys to hump more innings after they just got done pitching for 200 innings or so. I think there is more injury risk at that time than doing it now.

Pup wrote:Now, if Canada has any pitching left, that is going to be a very fun elimination game

Yes, this should be a very heated contest. Weglarz and his mates are pumped to play VZ and advance.

I know the fans may be lukewarm about the whole WBC thing, but the players take it very seriously and the fire is certainly there to win. Just wish there was a way they could do this in like November or something so all players can play a full game and pitchers don't have such limited pitch counts. Plus it doesn't affect the season much.

Play it in warm climates in November/December..... and treat it like real baseball.

Personally, I like the WBC, but if it's going to really take off it needs to have the reigns taken off the players/coaches and make it more like International Soccer.

Also, change the name.... World Baseball Classic is just too contrived..... call it the World Cup and play it every 4 years.

Also, stop calling all the teams Team USA and Team Canada.... maybe I'm being a bit petty, but what's wrong with just USA Vs Canada.... it shouldn't be seen as team Vs team it should be Country Vs Country.

Great game. Watched a few innings of Korea- Japan this morning too. Both teams look pretty good. Go Korea. The SP for Japan looked good. Great K-BB ratio too, like 200+ IP to only 30 some BB.

I'm really enjoying the WBC this year. The 5:30 am games are a great way to start the morning. It's also interesting to watch how the skippers manage the pitching staffs. Last night is the perfect example. You've got 2 loaded rosters, with weak bullpens. Who do you start, when do you throw which guys? Good stuff.

Pup wrote:I think the simplest thing would be to have it the last week and a half of Spring Training though. Pitchers would be more game ready. They would be ready to go full tilt. They could stretch their pitch counts out a little more.

After the season would never work. You can't ask these guys to hump more innings after they just got done pitching for 200 innings or so. I think there is more injury risk at that time than doing it now.